Welcome to East Grinstead Rugby Round Up. If you are reading this on the website, or via Facebook, please sign up to receive this Newsletter via email, which contains loads of pictures and other content, please email m.marriott@btconnect.com and we will add you to the list.

SENIOR RUGBY
With the Sunshine 7’s at the club on Sunday, It was left to our Ladies to uphold club honour on Saturday. And what a place to do it.

The last game of the season away at top of the table’ Guernsey, was a huge challenge, one that the Ladies took on with great courage. How did they get on? Click here to find out: Match report

This Saturday sees one of the biggest fixtures that Saint Hill has seen in recent years - A massive quarter final in the Papa Johns Cup. We will be welcoming Trojans, who are Hampshire champions, for the first time. Make sure you bring the noise as your voice could just make the difference. Kick off is at 3pm, so don’t be late. See you pitchside!!

SUNSHINE 7’s
EGRFC hosted the Challenge Packaging 68th Sunshine Sevens on Sunday 26th April in another year of glorious sunshine! – and what a difference it made.

Three competitions were planned – Men’s Elite – Men’s Open – Women’s Open, but unfortunately with the pressures of the last women’s league fixtures we couldn’t get enough support to hold the latter.

The sun certainly brings the crowds out and they were well entertained with high calibre sevens rugby in both Men’s Elite and Open.

The Elite Tournament
Last year’s winners RGH Shogun Akita were back to defend the Lady Astor trophy, with the Shogun family have their most successful season last year. Strong opposition were there to make the challenge. Results all afternoon were pretty close which emphasised that any side could win this year.

With the quarter finals being some of the best games, it was set up for some big clashes in the Semi-finals. Saints 7 came through strong beating RGH Shogun Sopporro 30-5. In the Other semi Final RGH Shogun Akita got past Hammerheads to reach another final 26-14.
A great final saw RGH Shogun Akita win 22-7 and retain the Lady Astor of Hever trophy.

The Penny farthing Player of the Tournament watch and tankard went to Shogun Akita’s Lucas Yapp who was outstanding all day.

The Mens Open Tournament
With some late changes, this was a great and competitive tournament. Some really competitive games early on it was a young, but hungry East Grinstead side that set the pace, playing great sevens, but such was the strength and depth of the 7 Burgers sides that it was an all “Burgers” final. 7 Burgers Stayin True beating 7Burgers Bussin 40-17.

In the Open Plate, we welcomed Ventnor RFC who just missed out on silverware losing 29-17 to a strong Saints side.

The Presentations Party consisted of local Conservative MP Mims Davies and East Grinstead Mayor of East Grinstead John Belsey - Garry Gordon Sunshine Sevens chair, and Colin Prior from Main sponsor Challenge Packaging. Mims Davies thanked EGRFC for all the hard work that goes into the event and the good that it does for the local children’s charities. Garry Gordon thanked the organising committee, catering staff, and ground staff for again putting on fantastic event. We were also joined for lunch by all of the local charities that we have supported this year, no doubt hoping that will be able to surpass the £42,000 we raised last year.

Finally, thanks must also go to our main sponsor Colin Prior, Challenge Packaging for their continued support and Steve Rogers from Penny farthing for his generosity.

Save the date 25th April 2027! – 69th Sunshine Sevens. – Building for the BIG ONE 70 years old…..

Massive thanks to Lou for all the matchday pictures. Click here to view: 7's pics

AGE GROUP RUGBY
Sunday delivered exactly what we’ve been waiting for, beautiful spring sunshine and near-perfect conditions for rugby as we brought the 2025/26 junior season to a close. With the annual Sunshine 7’s taking place at HQ, it meant — as tradition dictates — all of our junior sections were on the road. This year, we split across festivals at Uckfield and Worthing, ensuring plenty of rugby was still played and the season signed off in style.

The only slight catch with the sunshine? The ground had gone from one extreme to the other — after months of mud, those involved in contact rugby were now dealing with pitches that felt somewhere between firm and lightly disguised concrete. It seems in junior rugby, it’s never quite a happy medium… either a bog or a building site.

It’s been another memorable year for the juniors. At times, we’ve had to contend with everything the British weather can throw at us, but the resilience shown across all age groups has been outstanding. More importantly, the club continues to grow, with new players joining throughout the season and adding to the strength and spirit of the junior section.

As one season ends, attention will soon turn to the next — but for now, it’s a chance to reflect on a brilliant year of rugby, development and plenty of muddy (and now slightly battered) memories.

U11s – Worthing Festival
The U11s arrived at Worthing to be greeted by warm sunshine — and a day that carried a real sense of occasion. Five matches lay ahead, but more importantly, these would be the final games the group would play as juniors before stepping up to intermediate rugby next season. For some, it’s been a journey that started all the way back at U6, which made the day all the more special.

The setting couldn’t have been better, with games played in front of the clubhouse on Pitch 1, and Worthing proving to be excellent hosts — even supplying referees, giving coaches the rare luxury of being able to just coach (and shout encouragement rather than laws). The G’s fielded two teams — EG1 and EG2 — and both sets of players did the shirt proud.

EG1 got off to a flying start against Worthing Yellow. It was one-way traffic from the outset, with strong running, sharp passing and confident play leading to a double-digit win. Next up were Caerleon from Gwent, Wales, who were on tour. After the comfortable first game, concentration dipped slightly and the G’s found themselves 4–0 down at half time. To their credit, they rallied brilliantly in the second half against a very good side — fast at the ruck, quick hands and strong carriers. The G’s defence stood firm and they won the second half 2–0, but it wasn’t quite enough to turn the result.

Then came old rivals Brighton. A familiar pattern emerged with another slow start and a bit of early confusion, but once again the team showed resilience — regrouping, finding their shape and fighting back to take the win. Worthing Blue followed, offering a sterner test than their Yellow counterparts, but by now EG1 were back in full flow. With confidence high and tails up, they produced a strong, controlled performance to secure a comfortable victory.

That left the final match — and what a way to finish. Local rivals Edenbridge, last game as juniors, and a slightly emotional build-up. A few words from the coaches beforehand clearly hit the mark, and the players responded in exactly the right way. Determined to sign off their junior rugby journey on a high, they delivered a performance to remember and ensured they could always say they won their final junior game.

EG2 faced the same opposition in a different order and produced almost identical results — a real testament to the strength in depth across the squad. Like EG1, they found the Welsh opposition just too strong on the day, but were hugely competitive and swept aside the other teams to also finish their junior journey with a win. The quality of the G's was not lost on the Caerleon side, with an invitation extended for a potential tour to Wales next year — one for the future.

At the final whistle, the players were elated and exhausted in equal measure. The coaches were incredibly proud, not just of the day’s performances, but of the season as a whole — one that has seen far more wins than losses and huge development across the group.

There was one more emotional moment to round things off, as the team said goodbye to Owen Moyle, who is heading off to live in New Zealand. In true rugby fashion, he was hoisted high for the traditional “bumps” — a fitting send-off and a great moment for the group.

A fantastic day and the perfect way to sign off junior rugby. Now the next chapter begins with the move up to intermediate level… where, as the players have been reminded, there are no medals just for turning up — it’s big boy rugby from here on in.

U10 - Uckfield
On Sunday, three teams from the Mighty U10s were at Uckfield Festival for their highly anticipated season finale. The sun was shining, the pitches were in great condition and the scene was set for our players to showcase all the skills they had accumulated since last September….and they didn’t disappoint.

Throughout the morning, our highly vocal supporters were treated to some cracking rugby. Ruck speed was impressive and a huge improvement from the start of the start of the year, offloads were more timely, supporting runs more effective and some of the shots being put in were a joy to watch.

Obviously mini rugby is about enjoyment and not about winning or losing…..but if it had of been about winning or losing there would have been a lot for the coaches to be very pleased about!

It’s been a wonderful season for us, gaining new players along the way, and we’re already looking forward to being the new ‘senior juniors’ come September. In the meantime we’re off this weekend for our first Tour!

U9 - Uckfield
Under 9s entered the local derby of festivals with a season finale at Uckfield. The sun decided to make an appearance too, nothing better than sun cream rugby!

We had entered 3 teams with limited subs to make sure everyone got max game time, however with 5 unable to make it due to illness and injury, we were short. Fortunately, the games were started at different times so we managed and the kids had an abundance of game time, which, as usual, they took in their stride and played some amazing rugby to end our first tackling rugby season. Great to see them really putting in a shift and demonstrating all the skills practised through the season.

I know we don’t officially keep score but we definitely scored more try’s than the other guys!! And many of our tackles were textbook!!
Here’s to 26/27 coach Ky..... Over and out!

U8 - Worthing
The East Grinstead Under 8s wrapped up their tag rugby season in style at the Worthing Festival, enjoying a day packed with energy, effort, and plenty of memorable moments. With three teams entered once again, the squad showed fantastic depth and enthusiasm across all matches, making the most of what proved to be a very hot and at times intense day.

Despite being a tag rugby tournament, the competitive spirit was clear throughout, and tempers occasionally matched the rising temperatures. However, the players maintained their focus and continued to demonstrate the core values of teamwork and respect, which have been a hallmark of their season. There were standout contributions across the board. Cooper impressed with his defensive work, showing excellent awareness and commitment with some great tackling. Dillan consistently made strong carries, powering forward and gaining valuable ground for his team. Hugo’s communication was exceptional, with clear, confident shouting and commands helping to organise play and keep teammates engaged. Seb also delivered a series of strong performances, contributing effectively in both attack and defence.
Beyond individual highlights, what stood out most was the collective progress the team has made over the season. Passing, positioning, and support play have all developed significantly, and this was evident in the way the teams worked together throughout the festival.
This tournament marked the end of an important chapter for the Under 8s, as they now look ahead to an exciting transition into contact rugby in September. The skills, confidence, and teamwork built during their time in tag rugby will provide a strong foundation for the challenges ahead.

U7 - Uckfield
In traditional British fashion two important things to mention this weekend at Uckfield: firstly, the weather, and secondly the car park queueing system to access the ground. While the weather was sensational, the parking delays were less favourable - which once again made for a last-minute scramble for the EG U7s to be ready for the first of four competitive games. And competitive they were.

Festival season reached its climax this weekend, and with a squad of 20 superstar U7s, we played some truly brilliant rugby. This Sunday the intensity seemed up from prior weekends; the firm pitches and balmy conditions (weather mention again!) allowed for such fast and free-flowing rugby. Shouts of “line on me” in defence and superb running lines and support play in attack made for some wonderful rugby.

Given this was our final outing of the season it’s hard not to reflect on how far this squad has come. We started with 14 players and we end with 25 - we’ve gone from passing forwards and running backwards to playing some absolutely great rugby. As we say goodbye to U7s we should all be very happy about what’s been an awesome season and the start of many more to come.

One other huge mention goes to our U16’s, playing Guildford in the cup final. A beautiful day in Gulidford saw G’s play some beautiful rugby, coming out on top 26 - 21 in a thriller. Well done lads!

COMING UP DURING THE SUMMER

FUN RUGBY IS BACK
Friday’s 6pm
BBQ & drinks, Touch rugby for all, Community vibe!

Fun Rugby is simple - Touch rugby for everyone, aimed at families.
A great way to keep fit, learn the game, or just have a run about.
No tackling. Just rugby and fun.
Play alongside your kids. Whole families welcome. Plus a dedicated girls session.

For more info, email us at: egrfctouch@gmail.com

JUNIOR AWARDS
Join us on 3rd May as we celebrate an amazing season for our junior players at East Grinstead Rugby Club!
U5 – U8: 9:15 – 10:15
U9 – U11: 10:30 – 11:15
After the awards, don’t miss our annual EGRFC Colour Run at 11:45 – always one of the most fun events of the year!
Tickets available here: Junior awards tickets

CAR BOOT AT THE CLUB
Anyone who has visited Ardingly Car Boot Sale at the showground, knows what a big event this is. We are excited to announce that starting on the 10th May, it will be held at the club this summer. The bar will be open, so come down, grab a few bargains, a drink and enjoy the sunshine.

To book a pitch, contact Michael Cummings on 07563 822862.

SENIOR & COLTS AWARDS NIGHT
Dont miss our senior awards night on the 16th May. Good food, wine, awards and a party! What could finish the season better?

Get you ticket here: Senior awards tickets

WHÀNAU CUP
The Ratana Marauders and Vixens represent the Matt Ratana Rugby Foundation and play charity matches around the country, this will be the first time both Ratana teams will play at Saint Hill.

Former Leicester Tigers Coach, Dean Richards, will be the DOR for this event, so come down on the 30th May at midday to enjoy this great afternoon of rugby to remember Matt.

AGM
Get Friday 17th July in your diary.
We will meet at 7pm to vote in our officials and celebrate another season at our fantastic club.

OTHER NEWS
If you have any news about any aspect of our rugby family here at East Grinstead, get involved and email m.marriott@btconnect.com. See you next week!!